How can we honor God with our "firstfruits" in today's context? Setting the Scene: Exodus 22:29 “You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons.” • Israel’s earliest, best produce and firstborn were given immediately—no delay, no leftovers. • The verse fixes a God-first rhythm: everything we possess originates with Him and returns to Him in devoted worship. The Principle Behind Firstfruits • Priority—God receives the first, not the remainder. • Proportion—while tithe (10 %) became the baseline, firstfruits underscore giving that is representative of the whole. • Promise—faith steps out before the full harvest is seen, trusting God to supply the rest. How the Theme Continues Through Scripture • Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest…”—overflow follows obedience. • Malachi 3:10—full tithe brings “windows of heaven” blessing. • 1 Corinthians 16:2—regular, systematic giving “on the first day of every week.” • James 1:18—believers themselves are called “a kind of firstfruits,” showing the principle now embraces our whole lives. • Romans 11:16—“If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch,” confirming that what we set apart makes the rest holy. Practical Ways to Offer Firstfruits Today Finances • Set aside the first portion of every paycheck for your local church before any other bill is paid. • Automate giving so obedience isn’t crowded out by forgetfulness or fear. Time • Begin each day with Scripture and prayer, offering the freshest mental energy to the Lord. • Dedicate the first hours of the week—Sunday worship, family discipleship, serving—before scheduling recreation. Talents & Vocation • Deploy your strongest skills in kingdom service: teach, mentor, lead worship, build, design, organize. • Choose projects and career moves that let God’s purposes steer your giftedness, not merely personal advancement. Harvest & Possessions • From bonuses, tax refunds, crop sales, or unexpected income, skim the top for immediate giving. • Use your home, car, and table first for hospitality to saints and outreach, then for personal comfort. Relationships & Influence • Speak words that honor Christ at the outset of conversations, online posts, and public platforms. • Invest initial energy in discipling children, spouses, and new believers before pursuing hobbies or entertainment. Promises and Blessings Connected to Firstfruits • Overflowing provision—Proverbs 3:10; Malachi 3:10. • Sanctified remainder—Romans 11:16. • Cheerful-giver joy—2 Corinthians 9:7-8. • Kingdom impact—Philippians 4:17: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” Taking the Next Step • List every revenue stream, hour block, and ability God entrusts to you. • Mark the “first slice” of each category and earmark it for God. • Act promptly—delayed obedience erodes worship. • Watch gratefully as God multiplies what remains and deepens your dependence on Him. |
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